April 2-8 is California Safe Teen Driving Week

By: Patte Gilbert

At the beginning of every April, California observes Safe Teen Driving Week to educated teens on the risks of reckless driving. This year, Calabasas High School supported this week by hosting a free safe driving seminar for their students, arranged by the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy. The course was held Monday and consisted of two driving sessions. In the first session a student drove without any distractions and in the second, a student drove with distractions. One of the students, Jessica Fuld who partook in the course said, “It was hard to concentrate on everything. You had to do so many things, like talk on the phone…the girl behind me was hitting me and telling me to look at her text and it was really difficult.”

In tandem with the seminar, Impact Teen Drivers came to the school and played out a car crash caused by texting while driving. After the simulation, Martha Tessmer spoke to the school in an assembly. She described the personal story of her son who died in a reckless driving accident and urged students to make intelligent decisions while in the car. “Every road trip is an important one because every decision made in a vehicle could be the last one you make in this world, so whether you’re a driver or a passenger make good choices.” Tessmer’s traumatic story brought the dangers of reckless driving to life on a very emotional level for the students.

Patte Gilbert

Patte Gilbert is one of our community's premiere real estate agents. She has been an agent for over 20 years and has represented over 3,000 clients. She has received countless industry awards and has been a Top Producer, nationwide, for Sotheby's International Real Estate.

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New Program Launched to Encourage Museum Visits

By: Jeff Biebuyck

Recently, the Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas began an initiative to encourage members of the community to visit local museums. The museum has created a “passport” that visitors can fill by going to selected museums in the area. The amount of stamps earned correlate to a certain prize. At 25 stamps, the passport holder receives one, get one free lunch or dinner at the Sagebrush Cantina and at 40 stamps, a free Sunday brunch for two at the Cantina. As of now, the prize for the full 50 stamps has yet to be announced.

A representative from Leonis Adobe stated, “this is a wonderful way for families and all residents to journey through California’s rich history.” Other employees at the museum expressed that the true prize for visiting the museums is learning more about the history of California. This initiative is a great activity for Calabasas residents to partake in while also enriching their cultural knowledge of the state. To see the full list of museums visit the official “Passport2History” website and pick up your passport at the Leonis Adobe Museum.

Jeff Biebuyck

Jeffery Biebuyck, Branch Manager of the Sherman Oaks Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty Office, oversees all office operations, expansions, and new agent recruitment. Jeff thrives on using his talented and creative mind to help agents focus on their business and achieve success.

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The Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation Promotes Healthy Living

By: Denise Zago

This weekend on March 31, there will be a healthy living expo held at the Agoura Hills and Calabasas Community Center from 9am to 3pm. All residents of the local community are invited to come for an array of fun and health oriented activities. The rock climbing wall will be open, organic food will be sold and exercise classes are being offered free of charge. The Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation is putting on this expo for the second time after the success of the event last year.

The executive director, Karen Malatesta describes the event as something that can cater to each age group. Along with the activities being offered, The Rotary Club of Calabasas is sponsoring a blood drive during the event. The following link www.calabasasrotary.org is to sign up for donations but walk-ins are also welcome. The Expo will be featuring some of the most popular exhibitions from last year as well as new additions so it should be another big success.

The Zago Group

Outer Space, Land and Sea Themed Mural Unveiled

By: Jeff Biebuyck

Yesterday, the Calabasas Library revealed a mural in the Children’s Reading Room. Councilman, Fred Gaines once served on the Library Commission and was there for the Library opening in 2008. After the opening, he as well as other council members wanted to add something unique to the library. So in January, the City commissioned artist, Ricky Alvarez to paint a mural in order to add a “wow factor” to the Children’s Reading Room. Alvarez took a little over one month to create the awe inspiring art work.

The finished product has four tiers, each of which represents a different theme. The first layer depicts ocean and is filled with sea creatures and swimmers. The second layer’s theme is land accompanied by a painting of City Hall. The third tier is sky themed with a few birds and the last is of outer space featuring an astronaut. A mother from Agoura Hills said, “I think the depiction of City Hall and surrounding land is beautiful and amazing. My daughter loves it.” If you haven’t seen it yet, go check it out for yourself.

Jeff Biebuyck

Jeffery Biebuyck, Branch Manager of the Sherman Oaks Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty Office, oversees all office operations, expansions, and new agent recruitment. Jeff thrives on using his talented and creative mind to help agents focus on their business and achieve success.

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A Letter to Your Future Self

By: Barbara Lipkin

Sometimes we wonder how we may feel years from now when we review our life experiences or perhaps a moment in time. Having just lost a dear friend yesterday, I am having difficulty getting around the thought that a healthy 47 year old mother of four could die so suddenly. My thoughts are all over the place.

Low and behold, I found a web site that is extremely interesting. You write a letter to yourself now, and www.futureme.org will deliver it by email on a date you choose-in a day, a year, or many years. I am going to send myself an email with memories of her. When I receive my email, I am sure I will be glad to receive it.

Barbara Lipkin

Knowledgeable, caring and successful are words that best describe Barbara Lipkin, a Hidden Hills resident and top producing realtor with over 28 years experience. Barbara combines personal concern for her clients with professional expertise to achieve outstanding results in her field.

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Harry Potter Actress Takes on New Role in ‘Bling Ring’

By: Tomer and Isidora Fridman

Yesterday Emma Watson was spotted filming for ‘Bling Ring’ in Calabasas. The actress is most well-known for her role in Harry Potter but has acted in a few other movies since the series ended last summer. This movie depicts the true story of a group of teenagers that burglarized the homes of several celebrities from 2008 to 2009. The group of six stole approximately $3million in cash and other items. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Rachel Bilson and Lindsay Lohan were all victims of the Bling Ring.

Director Sofia Coppola, known for ‘Lost in Translation’, stated. “I’m excited about the young cast we’re assembling and I’m looking forward to shooting on location here in Los Angeles.” Other actors who have signed on for the movie include Leslie Mann and Israel Broussard. The movie is rumored to be released in 2013.

Tomer Isidora Fridman

5th Annual Auction for Good

By: Sherry Radis

Starting today through March 25, Chaparral Elementary will be holding their fifth annual online auction. The proceeds of this auction will go towards the school in order to support necessary programs such as the library, physical education, the arts, and music. Last year, the auction raised $40,000 for the school from a total of 400 bidders primarily from Calabasas but also elsewhere in the United States.

This year the auction offers VIP show tickets, certificates to local restaurants, jewelry as well as trips to Napa, Tahiti, Florida and Paris. The school would like to inform businesses that opportunities to donate more items are still available if interested. There is no better feeling than giving to a good cause, especially within your local community. The bidding has already begun so visit www.biddingforgood.com.

Sherry Radis

Release of the iPad 3

By: Dana Olmes

Apple stores across the world today have been bombarded by excited fans in anticipation of the iPad 3, which was released at 8am this morning. Despite some controversy regarding Apple’s practices, the iPad 3 is expected to break sales records. Apple predicts that by the end of 2012, they will have sold 55 million of the new product which will add up to 100 million iPad sales in total.

Sales though, won’t be attributed to the average consumer only. Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak waited in line at a Los Angeles store for the iPad 3 with his wife. He stated, “I wanna be one of the real people, who line up and wait all night…Apple’s just that important to us.” Others around the world seem to share the same sentiment. Stores near you, such as Sherman Oaks and Thousand Oaks are selling the new iPad on a first come, first serve basis so if you haven’t purchased one yet, hurry over!

Dana Olmes

Dana Olmes, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in representing residential real estate properties throughout the West San Fernando Valley and Conejo Valley areas. She has significant expertise working with various gated and equestrian communities in the area such as Hidden Hills, Calabasas, Bell Canyon, Agoura and Westlake Village.

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Make a new habit

By: Lori Einhorn

The International Fire Chiefs Association and Energizer want you to adopt a new habit: change your smoke alarm batteries every March when you set your clocks forward one hour. The Association also gives out free batteries in hopes that everyone will take advantage of this important opportunity. Fire officials have stated that smoke alarms have reduced fire fatalities by 50%. This simple habit can help keep you and your family safe.

Lori Einhorn

Organized, focused, excellent communicator, motivated, persistent: are only a few of the positive words used by clients and other real estate professionals to describe Lori's business style.

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This gorgeous modern California Ranch style architectural estate is in the exclusive community of Rolling Hills. Approximately 14,374 sq ft of luxurious living space designed by reowned Cliff May. The owner states that 2 million+ was spent to remodel/upgrade the home in 2010 while staying true to it’s modern “California Ranch” architectural heritage.

This rare and “one-of-a-kind” property is situated on 4.19 acres of park-like grounds with panoramic city and ocean views, the home features a unique indoor pool with retractable roof and wet bar for a year-round use, North/South tennis court with large cabana, this is an entertainer’s paradise with all amenities with an expansive living area that boasts distressed American walnut wood floors, dry sauna, gym, 5 fireplaces, skylight, cathedral ceilings with an oversized media room and full bar, wine cellar, and gaming area. Gourmet kitchen features a commercial grade Wolf range and built-in sub zero freezer/refrigeration units and built-in coolers. Second master suite has a private patio. Detached guest quarters with full bath maybe used as maid’s quarters. It also features a built-in closed circuit camera security system and ample paved driveways with parking for up to 30 vehicles.

This property is listed at $12,950,000 by Diana Kim. 27 Crest Road, Rolling Hills, CA

Roger Ewing